December 17
Winter Holiday Traditions
Most of us celebrate holiday traditions passed down from our parents. These traditions nurture us and become an essential part of who we are. As part of this year's Holiday Open House, we present to you a few of the holiday traditions which the Nationality Room Committees have shared.
Holiday Open House
A Greek Christmas
The Greek Room Committee presents A Greek Christmas.
Calennig and Christmas Taffy Tradition
Storyteller Ruthanne Ankney presents the Welsh traditions of Calennig and Christmas Taffy.
Giant Lantern Festival
San Fernando, Philippines draws crowds each year for its annual Giant Lantern Festival where teams compete to build beautiful and intricate parols or lanterns. After the competition, the lanterns are exhibited in public spaces for all to enjoy.
Greek Christmas Customs and Their History
Read about the different customs, traditions, and history of Christmas in Modern Greece and the Greek Diaspora.
Impressions of Iran
Based on impressions from three different historical sites, the Iranian Nationality Room is on its way to becoming a reality. Its magnificent window is based on a design from a sheik’s tomb. Other features are derived from merchants’ houses and a forty-column palace. Following images of the architect’s plan, a video will introduce the viewer to scenes from modern Iran’s markets, mosques, and natural wonders.
Sankt Nikolaus and Krampus
St. Nicholas Day is a favorite holiday with German children. On the night of December 5, children clean and polish their boots and leave them outside the door before going to sleep. The next morning, they find their shoes filled with nuts, candy, and small gifts from the jolly saint. Whereas Krampus is sort of a scary sidekick of St Nicholas, he is believed to accompany St. Nicholas to teach naughty children a hard lesson. Listen to hair raising details of the history and traditions of this dynamic duo.
Syria-Lebanon Room Introduction
Introductory Video for the Syria-Lebanon Room
The 12 Days of Greek Christmas Trivia Game
Every day, beginning on December 7th and ending on December 19, 2020, we will host one game. Viewers can play the game anytime between 7AM-10PM every day. The game consists of 10 multiple choice questions that test your knowledge about the Greek Christmas Period traditions.
At the end of every gameday (10 PM), the players with the top two scores among all participants will win prizes:
- Highest score: A bottle of Σπιτικό ultra-premium authentic extra virgin Greek olive oil (courtesy of Elaiourgiki A.E., Greece) & two cans of "TuVunu" mountain tea/honey-lemon drink
- Second-highest score: A box of 25 assorted Lindt Christmas chocolates
Turkish Children's Book Writer Tulin Kozikoglu
A proud alumni of several Pittsburgh based institutions, Tülin tells the story of how she has become the internationally recognized, award winning children’s book author and creative writing educator. It all started in Pittsburgh!
Quo Vadis
The Israel Heritage Room presented by Quo Vadis
The deep history of Jewish people is presented in the Israel Heritage Room, with the Quo Vadis guide telling us the story behind Chanukah.
The Philippine Room presented by Quo Vadis
The newest Nationality Room, The Philippine Room, glows in brightness as the Quo Vadis guides decsribes the lovely paintings and shell windows, costume and decor. Included are some descriptions of holiday foods of the Philippines.
Too Many Tamales read by Quo Vadis
Enjoy this Mexican children's story as read by Marion Riley, Quo Vadis guide.